Bogyo wrote:Ghost of Kleine wrote:https://thunderousintentions.com/2022/12/11/writing-wall-future-darius-bazley/#:~:text=Despite%20his%20offensive%20struggles%2C%20Darius,64th%20percentile%20according%20to%20synergy.
Despite his offensive struggles, Darius Bazley has turned into an incredible defender that can switch 1-5 and in man defense, he is graded as good to the tune of 0.952 points per possession which ranks in the 64th percentile according to synergy.
I think he migh even be the 5th starter eventually. We don't need scoring in the starting 5, we need defense and rebounding. We can do that better probably with him at the PF spot and KD as a small forward, than Craig playing the big wing. Craig might have a bit more offense and that will be needed from the bench for sure. Bazley just needs to stand in the corner on offense and shoot 3s at league average, while he is wide open. If he sneaks baseline for a couple dunks thats just added bonus.
If he can shoot then absoulutely he can be that 5th starter with his defense. But if he can't I still think Torrey's shooting and switchability is still valued in that starting line up.
Without the ironman Mikal taking on the opposing team's best scorers at POA, it will now fall on the stars to do that which will take energy away from their offensive games so I think we do need that primary POA defender out there without sacrificing on the spacing that good perimeter shooting would give them.